Welcome to the Jefferson Center

We are a community of individuals in Southern Oregon dedicated to Jeffersonian ideals of rational inquiry and disciplined thought.

Members of the Jefferson Center share a thirst for knowledge, seeking intellectual and moral awareness through the exchange of ideas and points of view. Many of our members are humanists, with a secular perspective. If you value freedom of thought with rigorous investigation you are welcome to join us. The Center hosts events supporting growth of its members and fostering improvement in the world.

Those who appreciate active learning and enjoy lively conversation will find good company here. Click for more


Upcoming Events

Click event title links on the left for details

Should Animals Have Rights? Sun, 01/19/2025 - 4:00pm Do animals have rights, or should we promote their humane treatment in a different way? Humans domesticated animals thousands of years ago, and they’ve been intimately linked with us ever since. Most of them would not exist without our involvement. What responsibilities do we humans have towards the animals we keep? If domestic animals aren’t legally regarded merely as property, what should their status be? Should the humane treatment of animals should be based on concepts other than legal rights? Dr. Howard (Howdy) Miller, DVM will offer his perspectives as we consider these issues. He is founder of the Bear Creek Animal Clinic in Ashland and has volunteered to assist village farmers in India and China to increase the health of their herds. He has also served on Jackson County’s Animal Control Advisory Committee. Please contact Tony Davis (tonydavis0@gmail.com) wth your questions about this event.

Lecture

Information about the current lecture (if one is scheduled within the next six weeks) is summarized here. For lectures that may be scheduled farther in the future, click here.

Salon

  • Should Animals Have Rights?
    01/19/2025 - 4:00pm

    Do animals have rights, or should we promote their humane treatment in a different way? Humans domesticated animals thousands of years ago, and they’ve been intimately linked with us ever since. Most of them would not exist without our involvement. What responsibilities do we humans have towards the animals we keep? If domestic animals aren’t legally regarded merely as property, what should their status be? Should the humane treatment of animals should be based on concepts other than legal rights?
    Dr. Howard (Howdy) Miller, DVM will offer his perspectives as we consider these issues. He is founder of the Bear Creek Animal Clinic in Ashland and has volunteered to assist village farmers in India and China to increase the health of their herds. He has also served on Jackson County’s Animal Control Advisory Committee.

    Please contact Tony Davis (tonydavis0@gmail.com) wth your questions about this event.

Book Group

New Scientist

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The Jefferson Center 208 Oak Street, Suite 101 Ashland, OR 97520